Neyyattinkara Sree Krishnaswamy Temple is a famous temple located in Kerala. It is on the way to Kanyakumari, 20 km south of Thiruvananthapuram city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple also holds great historic importance. The image of Unnikannan i.e. baby Krishna can be seen in the temple. According to history Neyyattinkara Temple was built in the year 1755, by Marthanda Varma, the Maharajah of the Indian princely state of Travancore. The lord here is offered Thrikayilvenna or Thrikayil Venna (butter). The temple is surrounded by lush green trees. The scenic beauty of the place attracts many devotees. The temple is regarded as the Guruvayur of Trivandrum district.
Architecture of Neyyattinkara Temple
Neyyattinkara Temple is a beautiful shrine that has been well designed and decorated. The temple has been adorned with traditional architectural designs of Kerala. The sculptural designs also enhance the beauty of the temple. The main gateway of the temple has been artistically designed with a scene from Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna is offering teachings to Arjuna. Apart from the main deity the temple also worships the idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Nagaraja. Another major attraction of the temple is the Ammachi Plavu, an old jackfruit tree. The tree has a large hole. As per history Marthandavarma Maharaja took shelter it to hide from his enemies.
Festivals of Neyyattinkara Krishna Temple
The Neyyattinkara Krishna Temple celebrates few festivals on a grand scale every year. During this time the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Some of the important festivals celebrated here are Vishu, Ashtami Rohini (Sree Krishna Jayanti), Navaratri, Onam, and Mandala Pooja. The 10 days annual temple festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March - April).
Neyyattinkara Krishna Temple is well connected with all modes of transport. The Neyyattinkara Bus Station is the nearest bus stop from the temple. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation also operates regular bus services from Trivandrum Central Bus Station to Neyyattinkara. Neyyattinkara Railway Station, on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kanyakumari railway line, is just a kilometre from the temple. Apart from this there are many other trains available here like the Mumbai - Kanyakumari Express, Guruvayur - Chennai Egmore Express, Ananthapuri Express, and Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil Passenger. All these trains pass through Neyyattinkara Railway Station. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, around 24 km away.
